Dentistry has been a regulated profession under British Columbia legislation since 1886. The College was established in 1908. Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was regulated under the former Dentists Act.

The composition of the board of the College is:

ten elected dentists;

two elected certified dental assistants; and

six public representatives appointed by the Minister.

Transition of Dentistry to the Health Professions Act

Repeal of the Dentists Act was provided for in the Health Professions Amendment Act, 2003.

As required by the Health Professions Act, the Ministry gave initial notice of the proposed Dentists Regulation on November 21, 2006. Also in November 2006, the College of Dental Surgeons submitted proposed bylaws under the Health Professions Actand the Ministry gave notice of the proposed bylaws on December 20, 2006. The Ministry gave notice of the final draft of the proposed Dentists Regulation on October 24, 2008.

On December 12, 2008, the government announced that effective April 3, 2009, the repeal of the Dentists Act would be brought into force and the profession of dentistry would be designated under the Health Professions Act.

On February 17, 2009, the Minister appointed the first board of the College under the Health Professions Act, and ordered that the first election of professional members to the board must be held by July 3, 2010.

On March 16, 2009, the College gave notice of the final draft of proposed bylaws under the Health Professions Act. Comments were requested to be submitted to the College and the Ministry by March 23, 2009.

The first election of professional members to the board was completed on May 20, 2010.

Amendments to the Dentists Regulation

Amendments to the Dentists Regulation and to most College bylaws are subject to a three-month notice period, unless the Minister specifies a shorter period.

The College is responsible for giving notice of proposed bylaw amendments, including posting them on the College website, and all bylaw amendments must be filed with the Minister to be effective. Filed bylaws come into force 60 days after the date of filing, unless the Minister either disallows the change or specifies an earlier date, or the College withdraws the change.

The full text of the current bylaws and information about any proposed bylaw amendments may be obtained by contacting the College. Comments on proposed bylaw amendments should be submitted to both the College and the Ministry.